Tag: Election 2026

Ben Ray Lujan looks poised to retain his Senate seat after collecting a vast majority of the votes over Republican challenger Larry Marker in...

Artesia polls remain open until 7 p.m. for the Nov. 3 General Election, with steady afternoon turnout reported at four voting locations. By late afternoon, 444 people had voted at Central Valley Electric, 598 at Faith Baptist Church and 210 at Trinity Temple Church. Voters are choosing candidates in local, congressional, U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races.

House Speaker Mike Johnson joined Republican congressional candidate Greg Cunningham in Carlsbad days before the election for New Mexico’s 2nd District. Johnson called the race nationally significant and criticized Democratic incumbent Gabe Vasquez over oil and gas and law enforcement. Vasquez’s campaign accused Cunningham of answering to Donald Trump’s MAGA movement rather than New Mexicans.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham condemned the EPA’s proposal to rescind federal methane regulations for oil and gas operations, warning it would increase pollution and threaten public health. The rollback would end or weaken rules on flaring, leak detection, super emitters and equipment emissions, while New Mexico officials and advocates pledged to maintain and strengthen state protections.

Republican nominee Gregg Hull says he would sign legislation limiting how long New Mexico governors can keep emergency orders in effect, while preserving rapid response powers for disasters. He supports legislative oversight and cites earlier proposals requiring lawmakers’ approval or special sessions for extensions. Democrat Deb Haaland’s campaign declined to comment.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Gregg Hull pledged to prioritize child welfare and improve transparency at New Mexico’s Children, Youth and Families Department during an Artesia campaign stop. His proposals include rebuilding trust with foster parents, nonprofits and investigators, and ensuring stable placements for children. Democrat Deb Haaland has proposed replacing CYFD with an independent commission.

Hull, 60, will face Democrat Deb Haaland, 65, in the Nov. 3 general election race to succeed current Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham who was barred by term limits from seeking a third four-year term.